2016 USA Presidential election thread I: The warm-up

[Tyrath]

I don't think I've ever been this excited for the debates before. In fact I don't think I've ever watched the GOP debates before live.

[tyven]

Does Trump being Trump count as pandering to the batshit crazy?

I think the bat shit crazy still like Cruz more

[Sho]

I think the bat shit crazy still like Cruz more

They are going towards Walker now.

[Sho]

Common sense would lead you to believe that, but remember how poorly Rick Perry's moderate arguments on immigration were received in one of the debates in 2012? If the audience is sympathetic to Trump from the start, they might perceive attacks on him negatively and it could backfire on Jeb and Perry.

Unless Trump bombs fantastically I'm not sure the debate is going to matter all that much for his numbers right now.

Rick Perry messed up so bad, he didn't even know the name of the department he would cut if he became President. Trump exposed him with the entire "he started to wear glasses so he could look smart" as well. I doubt he'll ever recover from 2012, why I didn't mention him at all. In fact, him and John Kasich have been trading places for the 10th debate slot for the last 3 days. Pretty sure he'll be out and forever at the kiddie table.

Trump will push on steam alone. However, he can be beat with enough facts to overcome his boisterous and blustery attitude. I said it earlier in the thread, but whoever can throw the most facts at him and can go toe to toe with a few one-liners will be instantly promoted in the polls. Trump is the person the people want to use as a vehicle for their concerns about America, but doubtful that anyone wants as a serious contender.

Who ever can stand up to him (Bush, Kasich, Walker, if he tries) will be the guy the people will go for. Avoiding his rancor during the debate may a first be seen as a good strategy, but it will work against them as their colors will be muted when placed next to Trump. Even worse will be the men who let Trump get off the first shots (and he will attempt this, especially at Perry, Walker, and Carson).

[tyven]

I worry that the best line thrower and stat repeater in the race is Ted Cruz. oh my god if Ted can put the screws to the Donald we are all so fucked and it is your fault

[Sho]

I worry that the best line thrower and stat repeater in the race is Ted Cruz. oh my god if Ted can put the screws to the Donald we are all so fucked and it is your fault

Ha. I don't think Cruz and Trump will engage each other at all outside of some playful and non-threatening banter, perhaps. I would be pleasantly surprised if they do get serious.

He'll be busy calling out accusing Bush of agreeing with the Iran nuclear deal and everyone else (minus Trump?) for not engaging Clinton, Obama and the Dems more openly. Ted Cruz is in a very precarious place, btw -- he's alienated himself within the Senate, starting from McConnell on down over the Export-Import Bank bill. So at this impasse before the debate he'll have to choose between ratcheting up his rhetoric and going all in with his presidential bid, or fall back into obscurity and make amends with his colleges so he can secure his 2018 Senate seat win. Another option is to drop out and back Trump, if not come out as his potential VP.

[Tyche]

I would think Cruz is smart enough to not put his eggs in the trump basket knowing trump has a 0% shot at the presidency.

[Quicklet]

On the contrary, scooping up Trump's supporters when his campaign inevitably implodes is the best shot Cruz has at taking on the establishment-favored candidates.

[Tyche]

On the contrary, scooping up Trump's supporters when his campaign inevitably implodes is the best shot Cruz has at taking on the establishment-favored candidates.

Well, he mentioned dropping out and supporting trump for a VP nod. Assuming trump drops before primaries are over, his blessing will probably go a long way in getting the eventual GOP candidate. But if he's in it til the end, his supporters will vote for whatever candidate the GOP puts forward, no matter their relationship with trump.

[Sho]

Well, he mentioned dropping out and supporting trump for a VP nod. Assuming trump drops before primaries are over, his blessing will probably go a long way in getting the eventual GOP candidate. But if he's in it til the end, his supporters will vote for whatever candidate the GOP puts forward, no matter their relationship with trump.

I did mention it. At any rate, if Cruz is smart he'll just back out and work to secure his Senate seat. He has no shot for the Presidency, not over Bush and Walker at this moment. Apart from Trump, he's the most annoying twit in the room sucking up the remaining air and putting his colleagues on notice in all the worst ways possible. If he can't bury the hatchet between himself, McConnell & Romney, he's done with both his bid and his seat.

[Acevalefor]

I don't think Walker has a chance at all after tanking his state's economy. At least not as long as the headlines about it are floating around.

[Serra]

Haven't seen an official list of who's in and who's out for Thursday, but the latest poll Trump, Walker, and Bush at the top; Fiorina, Santorum, Pataki, Graham, Jindal, and Gilmore missing the cut.

Dems of course haven't changed in any significant way.

(Based on the latest poll -- NBC/WSJ)

[tyven]

I don't think Walker has a chance at all after tanking his state's economy. At least not as long as the headlines about it are floating around.

i thought that they actually ended up with a tiny surplus. that even tho the budget had a 2 billion deficit or w/e, they didnt actually authorize spending all that money or w/e. idk someone find archi.

[archibaldcrane]

By most measures relative to the nation or other Midwest states the Wisconsin economy has taken a serious downturn under Walker.

[archibaldcrane]

That being said I doubt it will hurt him much in the primary, Republican voters would have to reject the idea that slashing taxes and spending and destroying unions are good things to use them against Walker.

[kuronosan]

So apparently Koch brothers are coming out and saying corporate welfare is bad mmkaiy.

[Pirian]

So apparently Koch brothers are coming out and saying corporate welfare is bad mmkaiy.

This seems to imply that this was a closely guarded secret opinion of theirs

edit: oh wait, you said corporate welfare. Well that's more interesting, but not really all that surprising considering they hate big government of all kind

[VietReader]

I'm undecided as of yet whether Cruz is a "true believer" in the things he says. I feel like he's just a denier because he is in bed with businesses with vested interests in being permitted to continue polluting, because he flat out doesn't care, or his capitalism is just so pure it can't stomach any regulations.

He went to Princeton and Harvard Law, I can't imagine he legitimately believes that humans have no impact on climate change.

[tyven]

holy shit this is amazing. Walker posed for pic with dude that had a Walker for President" sign. He flipped the sign around for the picture.

[Tyrath]

Masterfully done.